Chiefs' Jamaal Charles Admits to Mental Disability

Kansas City Chiefs star running back Jamaal Charles (@jcharles25) revealed tonight that he struggled with a mental disability throughout his childhood, and that is how he discovered his athletic ability.

Perhaps the quietest star in the NFL has kept his story quiet until now, where he was profiled in ESPN's "E:60."

At at an early age his mother noticed his slow development in school, and thus he was diagnosed with a mental disability, which gave him he opportunity to participate in Special Olympics.

It was in the Special Olympics that his pure athletic talent shined.

Not only did his competitive side completely take over in competitions, his confidence grew, which he carried with him throughout his childhood and early adult years. At Port Arthur High School in Texas, Charles shined on the football field, and chose the University of Texas's scholarship offer to play football.

He helped lead the Longhorns to a National Championship, while also honors in his freshman and junior years. He forewent his senior season and was drafted 73rd overall by the Chiefs in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The confidence and competitiveness he acquired has skyrocketed Charles to the top of the list as one of the best running backs in the league right now.

He is also the all-time career leader in average yards-per-carry, topping the likes of Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Jim Brown, among others. He is a three-time Pro-Bowler, as well as earning First Team All-Pro honors two times.

It has been a long journey from poverty and disability as a child in Port Arthur, Texas, and he does not forget his roots as he speeds his way to the endzone, and perhaps the record books during his football career.

Photo Credit: jamaalcharles25.com